Sliding door latch with finger pull lever

ABSTRACT

A sliding door latch with a finger pull mechanism is described that fits within a standardized aperture normally utilized for a hinged door latch. Provided is a latch assembly having an extendable latching hook for mounting in a sliding door and latching with a strike plate mounted in a door frame and a finger pull mechanism for accessing the sliding door from within a surrounding framework. Included are a housing assembly for fitting within the sliding door, an exposed edge plate mounted to the edge of the sliding door beside the housing assembly, a latching hook for engaging with the strike plate and extendable through the exposed edge plate, and a finger pull mechanism mounted in the edge plate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Disclosed is a latching mechanism for a sliding door that includes aextendable hooking means and an edge plate having a finger pull. Morespecifically, an improved sliding or pocket door latching device isprovided that includes a latching mechanism having a single hookinglever adapted with resilient means for engaging a strike plate. Toaccess the sliding door from within the surrounding sliding doorframework, a finger pull is fitted into the edge plate, above anaperture for receiving the hooking lever.

2. Description of the Background Art

Door latches for pocket or sliding doors exist in various forms. Atraditional sliding door latch comprises a device the fits into the doorwithin an often rectangular aperture that extends inward from the edgeof the door (a type of large “notch” cut into the edge of the door) orby some other “custom” aperture forming procedure. The difficulty withthese types of sliding door lock receiving apertures is that most doorsare not for use in a pocket door setting, but are configured withapertures designed to receive standard locking mechanism found inhinged-type or hung doors. Additionally, when a door needs to be cut forreceiving a locking assembly in a fashion that is not in a standardconfiguration, the chance of a door damaging or ruining error issignificant. A standard configuration for a hung door comprises a firstbore of about 2⅛ inch cut through a face of the door. A second bore ofabout 1″ enters from the edge of the door and meets the larger bore onits perimeter. An inset rectangular region is formed in the edge of thedoor about the second bore for holding an edge plate. The subjectinvention allows this type of door configuration or preparation to beutilized not only for hung door but for a sliding or pocket door too,thereby standardizing the preparation of doors for both hinged andsliding uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to disclose, for use with asliding door, an improved latching mechanism having a finger accessmeans included in a hinged-door standardized edge plate that has meansfor fastening to an edge of the sliding door.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedsliding door latch that repeatedly, reliably, and securely holds asliding door closed against a strike plate mounted in a door frame andprovides an integrated handle or finger access means for accessing thedoor from within a containing pocket mounted in a wall.

A further object of the present invention is to disclose an improvedsimple latching pocket door mechanism having a finger pull that utilizesa guided single latching lever that engages with a receiving strikeplate mounted in a door frame.

Still another object of the present invention is to describe an improvedsliding door mechanism having a retracting finger pull pivotally securedwithin an end plate and utilizes a single spring associated lever andguiding means for engaging and latching with a receiving strike platemounted in a door frame.

Disclosed is a latch assembly for mounting to a sliding door andengaging with a wall mounted strike plate that comprises a housingassembly that fits within the sliding door, an edge plate having meansfor affixing to an edge of the sliding door and positioning the edgeplate beside the housing assembly, means associated with the housingassembly for coupling with the strike plate, wherein when coupling withthe strike plate a portion of the coupling means extends through theedge plate, and a finger pull means associated with the edge plate foraccessing the sliding door from within a surrounding framework. Thefinger pull means comprises a finger pull member having first and secondends, finger grasping means proximate the finger pull member first end,and face plate attachment means proximate the finger pull member secondend.

More specifically, the subject invention comprises an elongated housingassembly having first and second ends that fits within the sliding doorand a rectangular edge plate having a narrower top and bottom bordersand wider side borders. The edge plate comprises means for affixing toan edge of the sliding door and positioning the rectangular edge plateproximate the housing assembly second end, an upper finger pull mountingchannel, and a lower aperture for receiving a hook member. Included is ahook assembly mounted in the housing assembly for releasably hooking tothe strike plate, wherein when releasably hooked with the strike plate aportion of the hook assembly extends through the lower aperture. Alsocomprising the subject invention is and a finger pull associated withthe edge plate for accessing the sliding door from within a surroundingframework. The finger pull comprises a finger pull member having firstand second ends, finger grasping means at the finger pull member firstend, and face plate attachment means hinged to the edge plate topborder.

The hooking means comprises a hook and means-for allowing a user toextend and retract the hook by using a handle. Additionally, theextension and retraction means comprises a handle attachment means, abiased arm member connected to the handle attachment means, means forcoupling the biased arm member to the hook, and means for engaging, uponextension, and releasing, upon the retraction, the hook with the strikeplate. Two embodiments of the coupling means are included. A firstembodiment of the coupling means comprises a bracket fastened from thebiased arm member to the hook, pivot means associated with the hook, andmeans associated with the hook and the housing for partially rotatingthe hook about the pivot means upon extension and retraction of thehook.

The second embodiment of the coupling means comprises an L-shapedcoupler fastened from the biased arm member to the hook, pivot meansassociated with the hook, and means associated with the hook, thehousing, and the edge plate for partially rotating the hook about thepivot means upon extension and retraction of the hook.

Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present inventionwill become apparent from the detailed description that follows, whenconsidered in conjunction with the associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the subjectinvention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the subjectinvention.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional drawing taken along lines 3—3 in FIG. 2 forthe first embodiment of the subject invention.

FIG. 4a is a partial top sectional view of the first embodiment of thesubject invention showing the latching hook fully retracted.

FIG. 4b is a partial top sectional view of the first embodiment of thesubject invention showing the latching hook partially extended.

FIG. 4c is a partial top sectional view of the first embodiment of thesubject invention showing the latching hook fully extended.

FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view of the first embodiment of the subjectinvention showing the positioning of the latching hook, spring andbracket, and hook throwing arm.

FIG. 6a is a cross sectional view of the first embodiment of the subjectinvention showing the latching hook in its retracted position and themovement of finger pull.

FIG. 6b is a cross sectional view of the first embodiment of the subjectinvention showing the latching hook in its extended position.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the first embodiment of the subject invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the subjectinvention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the subjectinvention.

FIG. 10a is a partial top sectional view of the second embodiment of thesubject invention showing the latching hook partially extended, butbefore the stopping tab encounters the stop.

FIG. 10b is a partial top sectional view of the second embodiment of thesubject invention showing the latching hook partially extended with thestopping tab hitting the stop.

FIG. 10c is a partial top sectional view of the second embodiment of thesubject invention showing the latching hook fully extended with the hookrotated into its latching position by means of the stopping tab andstop.

FIG. 11a is a cross sectional view of the second embodiment of thesubject invention showing the latching hook in its retracted positionand the movement of finger pull.

FIG. 11b is a cross sectional view of the second embodiment of thesubject invention showing the latching hook in its extended position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 1-11, there are shown preferred embodiments ofthe subject invention for use with a sliding or pocket door. The slidingdoor itself is mounted in a pocket frame or equivalent structure thatfits within a wall. When a user desires to close the door, the door isslid out of the pocket. The subject invention provides the user with ameans for accessing the door from within its pocket frame and forlocking the closed door (slid out of its pocket) against a strike platemounted on the frame of the door opening.

Specifically, a first embodiment of the subject invention is shown inFIGS. 1-7 and comprises a latch assembly 5 having a housing assembly 10and an edge plate 15. The housing assembly 10 is positioned next to,beside, or contacting the edge plate 15 and the two may be permanentlyor reversibly attached to one another by standard means or merelypositioned against one another within the door bores and held in placeby end plate affixing means that are usually apertures 20 and 25 (seespecifically FIGS. 1, 2, and 7) through which securing screws are placed(not shown). A finger pull means is associated with the end plate 15 andusually comprises a finger pull member 30 with a finger grasping tab 35at one end and a hinge means at the other, wherein the hinge meansusually comprises a pin aperture 40 in the finger pull member 30 and apin 41 that fits within receiving apertures 45 in the top edges of thefinger pull opening of the end plate 15. Additionally, the end plate 15contains a latch hook aperture 50 positioned below the finger pullmember 30 through which a coupling means accesses and latches to thestrike plate in the door frame.

The housing assembly 10 of the first embodiment of the subject inventionhas distal 55 and proximal ends,60, relative to the location of the endplate 15 (see FIGS. 1, 6 a, and 6 b). The housing assembly comprises twosubassemblies: the hook guide assembly 70 and the lever extension andretraction assembly (ER assembly) 75. Exposed on the outer portion ofthe housing assembly 10, specifically on the ER assembly 75, is a handlesocket member 85 for mating with a door latch handle that isuser-accessible on the surface of the sliding door. A user rotates thehandle to latch and open the door via the subject latch assembly 5.

The components of the ER assembly 75 are best seen in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6a-b. It is stressed that the various components of the ER assembly 75and for the subject invention in general may be altered to similar or isequivalent versions and still be within the realm of this disclosure.Comprising the ER assembly 75 are first 90 and second 95 frame membersthat give the basic shape and structural integrity to the ER housing 75.The first 90 and second 95 frame members interconnect to form a box-likecontainer that links with the hook guide assembly 70, usually by meanssuch as tabs 100 and receiving apertures 105 and 110 in the lower frame115 (see FIG. 3 for a cross sectional view of the lower frame 115 andFIGS. 4a-c for how the hook slides with the lower frame 115 duringoperation) and upper frame 120 halves of the hook guide assembly 70.Handle socket apertures 125 and 130 are found the first 90 and second 95frame members, respectfully, for securing the handle socket member 85for rotation during usage.

Within the ER assembly 75 is the strike plate coupling means having abracket 135, a coil spring 140, a hook throwing arm 145 with slot 146, ahook 150, an elongated spring 155 (fits within the first frame memberbetween suitable anchoring points 156 and 157), and first 160 and second165 extensions of the handle socket member 85. As seen in FIG. 5, thehook throwing arm 145 has a first terminal with opposing flanges 148 and149 that slide, during movement of the hook 150, within elongatedapertures 191 and 196, respectively, in the first 90 and second 95 framemembers, respectively. The second terminal 147 and the arm 145 fitswithin a receiving aperture 136 in the bracket 135. The coil spring 140is fitted between the second terminal 147 and a securing pin 139. Thehook 150 is pivotally mounted into the bracket 135 by means ofinteracting pins 151 and 152 and apertures 137 and 138. Additionally,the hook 150, has a cam nub 153 that rides over a guide 154 that extendsfrom the second terminal 147, proximate aperture 137.

Usually, the hook guide assembly, 70 has, as noted above, two halves(lower 115 and upper 120), but other equivalent configurations areconsidered possible and within the protected bounds of this disclosure.The retracted and extended positions of the subject latch areillustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6 b, respectively. FIG. 6a shows the hook150 retracted into the housing assembly 10 with the handle socket memberfirst extension 160 pressed against the elongated spring 155 and thehandle socket member second extension 165 fitted within the arm slot146. When the handle socket member is turned by a user, via theassociated handle on the face of the door, the elongated spring, biasedagainst the first extension 160, distorts and applies resistance that isovercome by continued rotation. The second extension 165 forces the arm145, the attached bracket 135, and hook 150 outward, into an extendedposition (see FIG. 6b for the extended hook position).

FIGS. 4a, 4 b, and 4 c illustrate the extension of the hook 150 and howit partially rotates to engage the strike plate. FIG. 4a shows theretracted hook 150 connected to the bracket 135 by pin 151 (pin 152 doesnot show in this view) and fitting completely within the lower frame115. In FIG. 4b the hook 150 has been partially extended and shows thecam nub 153 hitting a stop 200 formed in the lower frame 115 (see FIG. 3for a cross sectional end view of the lower frame 115 showing the stop200). As the hook 150 slides by the stop 200 the interaction between thestop 200 and the cam nub 153 swings or partially rotates the hook 150into a locking position with the cam nub 153 positioned against guide154. When the hook 150 is drawn, the sloping shoulder 205 of the hook150 swings or partially rotates the hook 150 into its retracted angle.FIG. 3 shows the channels in which the hook 150 travels.

Also, specifically, a second embodiment of the subject invention isshown in FIGS. 8-11. It is noted that the components that are equivalentbetween the first and second embodiments are indicated by a primednumber. Components aperture 20′, aperture 25′, finger pull member 30′,finger grasping tab 35′, pin aperture 40′, pin 41′, receiving aperture45′, proximal end 60′, tab 100′, receiving aperture 105′, receivingaperture 110′, socket aperture 125′ and anchoring point 157′ are thesame as their non-primed counterparts of the first embodiment, and aretherefore not discussed in further detail herein. Comprising the secondembodiment of the latch assembly 5′ are a housing assembly 10′ and anedge plate 15′. As in the first embodiment, the housing assembly 10′ ispositioned next to, beside, or contacting the edge plate 15′.

The differences between the first and second embodiments are foundwithin the ER assembly 75′ and hook guide assembly 70′ and comprise theexact elements that extend and retract the hook. Within the ER assembly75′ is the strike plate coupling means having, a coil spring 140′, ahook throwing arm 145′ with slot 146′ proximate a first end and anaperture 300 proximate a second end, a L-shaped coupler 305 with an armattachment means 310, a hook 150′ with a coupler receiving aperture 315,an elongated spring 155′, and first 160′ and second 165′ extensions ofthe handle socket member 85′. As seen in FIG. 9, the hook throwing arm145′ has a first terminal with opposing flanges 148′ and 149′ thatslide, during movement of the hook 150′, within elongated apertures 191′and 196′, respectively, in the first 90′ and second 95′ frame members,respectively. At one end of the arm 145′ is an aperture 300 forreceiving one end of the L-shaped coupler 305. The L-shaped coupler 305is secured within the aperture 300 by suitable means such as a pin,clip, screw, cap, ring, and other reversible and permanent means. Thecoil spring 140′ is fitted about the L-shaped coupler 305. The hook 150′is pivotally mounted to one end of the L-shaped coupler 305 by means ofan aperture 315. Additionally, the hook 150′ has a ledge 320.

Usually, the hook guide assembly 70′ of the second embodiment has, aswith the first embodiment, two halves (lower 115′ and upper 120′), Theretracted and extended positions of the subject latch are illustrated inFIGS. 11a and 11 b, respectively. FIG. 11a shows the hook 150′ retractedinto the housing assembly 10′ with the handle socket member firstextension 160′ pressed against the elongated spring 155′ and the handlesocket member second extension 165′ fitted within the arm slot 146′.When the handle socket member 85′ is turned by a user, via theassociated handle on the face of the door, the elongated spring, biasedagainst the first extension 160′, distorts and applies resistance thatis overcome by continued rotation. The second extension 165′ forces thearm 145′, the L-shaped coupler 305, and hook 150′ outward, into anextended position (see FIG. 11b for the extended hook position).

FIGS. 10a, 10 b, and 10 c illustrate the extension of the hook 150′ andhow is partially rotates to engage the strike plate. FIG.10a shows theretracted hook 150′ fitted completely within the lower frame 115′. InFIG. 10b the hook 150′ has been partially extended and shows the ledge320 hitting a stop or lip 325 formed at the slightly staggeredintersection of the edge plate 15′ and the hook guide assembly 70′. Asthe hook 150′ slides by the stop or lip 325 the interaction between thestop or lip 325 and the ledge 320 swing or partially rotate the hook150′ into a locking position. When the hook 150′ is withdrawn the angleof the hook 150′ between the ledge 320 and the L-shaped coupler 305attachment aperture 315 swings or partially rotates the hook 150′ intoits retracted angle.

Typically, a user employs the subject device by mounting in a suitablesliding door that has been prepared by cutting a first bore (preferablya standard hinge-hung door bore of about 2⅛ inch) through a face of thedoor and a second bore (preferably a standard hinge-hung door bore ofabout 1″) enters from the edge of the door and meets the larger firstbore on its perimeter. Additionally, an inset rectangular region isformed in the edge of the door about the second bore for holding an edgeplate. Specifically, with the subject invention, the door is accessed bya user via lifting the retracting finger pull. The sliding door is thenclosed so the door edge contacts the door frame. The latch assembly isthen utilized to secure the sliding door to the door frame via the hookand strike plate.

The invention has now been explained with reference to specificembodiments. Other embodiments will be suggested to those of ordinaryskill in the appropriate art upon review of the present specification.Also, although the foregoing invention has been described in some detailby way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modificationsmay be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sliding door latch assembly for engaging with adoor frame placed strike plate, comprising: a) an elongated housingassembly having first and second ends that fits within the sliding doorapertures; b) a rectangular edge plate having means for affixing to anedge of the sliding door and positioning said rectangular edge plateproximate said housing assembly second end; c) hooking means associatedwith said housing assembly for hooking to the strike plate, wherein whenhooking to the strike plate a portion of said hooking means extendsthrough said rectangular edge plate; d) spring means always biasing saidhooking means toward an unhooked position; and e) a finger pull meansassociated with said rectangular edge plate for accessing the slidingdoor from within a surrounding framework, said finger pull means having:i) a finger pull member having first and second ends; ii) fingergrasping means proximate said finger pull member first end; and iii)face plate attachment means proximate said finger pull member secondend.
 2. A sliding door latch assembly according to claim 1, wherein saidhooking means comprises: a) a hook and b) means for allowing a user toextend and retract said hook by using a handle wherein said extensionand retraction means comprises: i) a handle attachment means; ii) abiased arm member connected to said handle attachment means; iii) meansfor coupling said biased arm member to said hook; and iv) means forengaging, upon extension, and releasing, upon said retraction, said hookwith the strike plate.
 3. The sliding door assembly according to claim2, wherein said coupling means comprises: a) a bracket fastened to saidbiased arm member and extending to said hook; b) pivot means associatedwith said hook; and c) means associated with said hook and said housingfor partially rotating said hook about said pivot means upon extensionand retraction of said hook.
 4. The sliding door latch assemblyaccording to claim 2, wherein said coupling means comprises: a) anL-shaped coupler fastened to said biased arm member and extending tosaid hook; b) pivot means associated with said hook; and c) meansassociated with said hook, said housing, and said edge plate forpartially rotating said hook about said pivot means upon extension andretraction of said hook.
 5. A sliding door latch assembly for engagingwith a door frame placed strike plate, comprising: a) an elongatedhousing assembly having first and second ends that fits within thesliding door; b) a rectangular edge plate having a narrower top andbottom borders and wider side borders, and further having: i) means foraffixing to an edge of the sliding door and positioning said rectangularedge plate proximate said housing assembly second end; ii) an upperfinger pull mounting channel; and iii) a lower aperture for receiving ahook member; c) a hook assembly mounted in said housing assembly forreleasably hooking to the strike plate, wherein when releasably hookedwith the strike plate a portion of said hook assembly extends throughsaid lower aperture; d) spring means always biasing said hook assemblytowards an unhooked position; and e) a finger pull associated with saidedge plate for accessing the sliding door from within a surroundingframework, said finger pull having: i) a finger full member having firstand second ends; ii) finger grasping means at said finger pull memberfirst end; and iii) face plate attachment means hinged to said edgeplate top border.
 6. The sliding door latch assembly according to claim5, wherein said hook assembly comprises: a) a hook and b) means forallowing a user to extend and retract said hook by using a handle, saidextension and retraction means having: i) a handle attachment means; ii)a biased arm member connected to said handle attachment means; iii)means for coupling said biased arm member to said hook; and iv) meansfor engaging, upon extension, and releasing, upon said retraction, saidhook with the strike plate.
 7. The sliding door latch assembly accordingto claim 6, wherein said coupling means comprises: a) a bracket fastenedto said biased arm member and extending to said hook; b) pivot meansassociated with said hook; and c) means associated with said hook andsaid housing for partially rotating said hook about said pivot meansupon extension and retraction of said hook.
 8. The sliding door latchassembly according to claim 6, wherein said coupling means comprises: a)an L-shaped coupler fastened to said biased arm member and extending tosaid hook; b) pivot means associated with said hook; and c) meansassociated with said hook, said housing, and said edge plate forpartially rotating said hook about said pivot means upon extension andretraction of said hook.
 9. A sliding door latch assembly for engagingwith a door frame placed strike plate, comprising: A) an elongatedhousing assembly having first and second ends that fits within thesliding door; B) a rectangular edge plate having means for affixing toan edge of the sliding door and positioning said rectangular edge plateproximate said housing assembly second end; C) hooking means associatedwith said housing assembly for hooking to the strike plate, wherein whenhooking with the strike plate a portion of said hooking means extendsthrough said rectangular edge plate, said hooking means having: i) ahook and ii) means for allowing a user to extend and retract said hookby using a handle, said extension and retraction means having: a) ahandle attachment means; b) a biased arm member connected to said handleattachment means; c) means for coupling said biased arm member to saidhook, said coupling means having: i) a bracket fastened to said biasedarm member and extending to said hook; ii) pivot means associated withsaid hook; and iii) means associated with said hook and said housing forpartially rotating said hook about said pivot means upon extension andretraction of said hook; and d) means for engaging, upon extension, andreleasing, upon said retraction, said hook with the strike plate; and D)a finger pull means associated with said edge plate for accessing thesliding door from within a surrounding framework, said finger pull meanshaving: i) a finger pull member having first and second ends; ii) fingergrasping means proximate said finger pull member first end; and iii)face plate attachment means proximate said finger pull member secondend.
 10. A sliding door latch assembly for engaging with a door frameplaced strike plate, comprising: A) an elongated housing assembly havingfirst and second ends that fits within the sliding door; B) arectangular edge plate having means for affixing to an edge of thesliding door and positioning said rectangular edge plate proximate saidhousing assembly second end; C) hooking means associated with saidhousing assembly for hooking to the strike plate, wherein when hookingwith the strike plate a portion of said hooking means extends throughsaid rectangular edge plate, said hooking means having: i) a hook andii) means for allowing a user to extend and retract said hook by using ahandle, said extension and retraction means having: a) a handleattachment means; b) a biased arm member connected to said handleattachment means; c) means for coupling said biased arm member to saidhook, said coupling means having: i) an L-shaped coupler fastened tosaid biased arm member and extending to said hook; ii) pivot meansassociated with said hook; and iii) means associated with said hook,said housing, and said edge plate for partially rotating said hook aboutsaid pivot means upon extension and retraction of said hook; and d)means for engaging, upon extension, and releasing, upon said retraction,said hook with the strike plate; and D) a finger pull means associatedwith said edge plate for accessing the sliding door from within asurrounding framework, said finger pull means having: i) a finger pullmember having first and second ends; ii) finger grasping means proximatesaid finger pull member first end; and iii) face plate attachment meansproximate said finger pull member second end.
 11. A sliding door latchassembly for engaging with a door frame placed strike plate, comprising:A) an elongated housing assembly having first and second ends that fitswithin the sliding door; B) a rectangular edge plate having a narrowertop and bottom borders and wider side borders, and further having: i)means for affixing to an edge of the sliding door and positioning saidrectangular edge plate proximate said housing assembly second end; ii)an upper finger pull mounting channel; and iii) a lower aperture forreceiving a hook member; and C) a hook assembly mounted in said housingassembly for releasably hooking to the strike plate, wherein whenreleasably hooked with the strike plate a portion of said hook assemblyextends through said lower aperture and, said hook assembly having: i) ahook and ii) means for allowing a user to extend and retract said hookby using a handle, said extension and retraction means having: a) ahandle attachment means; b) a biased arm member connected to said handleattachment means; c) means for coupling said biased arm member to saidhook, said coupling means having: i) a bracket fastened to said biasedarm member and extending to said hook; ii) pivot means associated withsaid hook; and iii) means associated with said hook and said housing forpartially rotating said hook about said pivot means upon extension andretraction of said hook; and d) means for engaging, upon extension, andreleasing, upon said retraction, said hook with the strike plate; and D)a finger pull associated with said edge plate for accessing the slidingdoor from within a surrounding framework, said finger pull having: i) afinger full member having first and second ends; ii) finger graspingmeans at said finger pull member first end; and iii) face plateattachment means hinged to said edge plate top border.
 12. A slidingdoor latch assembly for engaging with a door frame placed strike plate,comprising: A) an elongated housing assembly having first and secondends that fits within the sliding door; B) a rectangular edge platehaving a narrower top and bottom borders and wider side borders, having:i) means for affixing to an edge of the sliding door and positioningsaid rectangular edge plate proximate said housing assembly second end;ii) an upper finger pull mounting channel; and iii) a lower aperture forreceiving a hook member; C) a hook assembly mounted in said housingassembly for releasably hooking to the strike plate, wherein whenreleasably hooked with the strike plate a portion of said hook assemblyextends through said lower aperture and, said hook assembly having: i) ahook and ii) means for allowing a user to extend and retract said hookby using a handle, said extension and retraction means having: a) ahandle attachment means; b) a biased arm member connected to said handleattachment means; c) means for coupling said biased arm member to saidhook, said coupling means having: i) an L-shaped coupler fastened tosaid biased arm member and extending to said hook; ii) pivot meansassociated with said hook; and iii) means associated with said hook,said housing, and said edge plate for partially rotating said hook aboutsaid pivot means upon extension and retraction of said hook; and d)means for engaging, upon extension, and releasing, upon said retraction,said hook with the strike plate; and D) a finger pull associated withsaid edge plate for accessing the sliding door from within a surroundingframework, said finger pull having: i) a finger full member having firstand second ends; ii) finger grasping means at said finger pull memberfirst end; and iii) face plate attachment means hinged to said edgeplate top border.
 13. A sliding door latch assembly comprising: ahousing including a frame member; an edge plate disposed at an end ofsaid housing and having an aperture formed therein; a finger pullpivotally connected to said edge plate; a latchbolt assembly disposed insaid housing, said latchbolt assembly including a bracket supported bysaid frame member for movement between a retracted position and anextended position along a first axis, a catch pivotally connected tosaid bracket and having a hook formed on an end thereof and an actuatorconnected to said bracket for moving said bracket between said retractedand extended positions; a hook guide mechanism including a stop engagingsaid catch as said bracket is moved towards said extended position torotate said catch from an unlatched position to a latched position abouta second axis which is perpendicular to said first axis when said hookextends from said aperture of said edge plate; and said latchboltassembly further including a spring operably disposed between saidbracket and said catch to bias said catch towards said unlatchedposition.
 14. The sliding door latch assembly of claim 13, wherein saidcatch has a cam formed thereon which engages said stop for positioningsaid catch between said unlatched and latched positions.
 15. The slidingdoor latch assembly of claim 13, wherein said stop is formed by a lip onsaid edge plate adjacent said aperture.
 16. The sliding door latchassembly of claim 13, wherein said bracket includes an arm having afirst end operably coupled to said actuator and a coupler extending froma second end of said arm, said coupler having said catch pivotallyconnected thereto.
 17. The sliding door latch assembly of claim 16,wherein said coupler comprises a U-shaped bracket including a pair oflegs having a first aperture formed therethrough and at least one ofsaid pair of legs having a second aperture formed therein, said catchbeing pivotally connected to said coupler through said first apertureand said arm being connected to said coupler through said secondaperture.
 18. The sliding door latch assembly of claim 16, wherein saidcoupler comprises an L-shaped rod having a first leg connected to saidarm and a second leg extending generally perpendicular to said first legand having said catch pivotally connected thereto.